Maroons end 27-game drought, thwart winless Falcons

MANILA, Philippines – In a battle of winless teams, UP survived a late rally by Adamson to hack out a 77-64 victory in the 77th season of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.

Mikee Reyes erupted for 28 points while JR Gallarza added 24 points for the Diliman-based squad, who finally ended their dubious 27-game losing streak that dated back to Season 75 two years ago.

Adamson pulled off a late scare when they uncorked a quick 9-0 run to cut the deficit, 60-70, with 3:01 left. But Gallarza responded with a back-breaking triple to stop the bleeding for the Diliman-based squad.

The Falcons tried to extend the game by fouling, but the deficit was too much as the Maroons held on to the victory, their first since beating UE, 63-48, on Aug. 19, 2012.

UP opened the third quarter with a 12-0 run capped by Henry Asilum's lay-up to open up a huge 20-point lead, 52-32, in the midway point of the period.

Reyes drilled 11 points in the telling quarter to give the Maroons their biggest lead at the 4:01 mark, 60-36, after a forceful drive to the basket.

Don Trollano paced Adamson with 23 points while Jansen Rios added 20 for Adamson, which remains winless in seven games.